Board votes to close Tres Splendid blended learning, approves emergency funding resolution and other consent items

The La Mesa‑Spring Valley Unified School District board voted April 9 to close the Tres Splendid blended‑learning program and approved a set of consent items including a resolution to pursue state emergency funding related to heavy rains and flooding on Jan. 22, 2024.

Closure of Tres Splendid blended learning

The superintendent’s office and program staff explained that Tres Splendid (referred to in public comments as Tres Splendid Learning) expanded substantially during the pandemic but has since declined to fewer than 100 enrolled students. Staff said AB 30 and subsequent state regulatory changes increased documentation, daily synchronous‑instruction requirements and audit complexity for independent‑study models, creating high staffing and administrative burdens.

Cindy Knight, principal at Tres Splendid Learning, told the board the program has provided an important social‑emotional option for students with anxiety and other barriers to learning. District staff said they are planning a Link pathway pilot at Spring Valley Academy to serve referred middle‑school students as an in‑person, self‑contained option intended to support a bridge back to comprehensive campuses.

A board member moved to approve the closure of the Tres Splendid blended‑learning program; the motion was seconded and board members present signaled assent with no recorded opposing votes. The motion carried.

Votes at a glance (actions recorded in this meeting)

- Close Tres Splendid blended learning — motion approved; no recorded opposing votes (action item).
- Authorize assistant superintendent of Business Services to sign state emergency funding application (Governor’s Office of Emergency Services) related to Jan. 22, 2024 flooding — resolution approved. The resolution designates the signer but is not the application itself.
- Approve Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) determinations for Measure V bundle items C and D (site improvement projects) — approved as presented.
- Authorize staff to apply for a waiver to increase instructional minutes for fifth graders at La Mesa Arts Academy (El MAC) to facilitate matriculation — approval to apply was granted.
- Business services, educational services and human resources consent items — approved via consent votes.

Board discussion and context

Board members thanked Tres Splendid staff for their service to students and emphasized the fiscal and compliance challenges that drove the decision. District staff described consultations with families and staff since January and noted that the Link program pilot at Spring Valley Academy will offer an in‑person five‑day option for referred middle‑school students.

The resolution related to emergency funding clarifies who may sign a future application to the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services for reimbursement or mitigation funds connected to the January flooding; staff said more details on timing and next steps will be shared as information becomes available.

Ending

The board completed other consent business and closed the meeting at 7:02 p.m. District staff will work with affected families and staff to manage the Tres Splendid transition and will return with implementation details as needed.